Kitchen Safety Tips

The kitchen can be a dangerous place if the proper precautions are not taken. Follow these safety tips to ensure that nobody gets injured while cooking.

The Stove1. Keep flammable items away from the stove. Avoid placing pot holders, towels, or your sleeves near an open flame.

2. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.

3. Don't bring a big pot of boiling water to the sink to drain it. Instead, use a hand strainer or a spider to remove food.

4. Turn all pot handles inward so children can't grab them. If you bump into a handle, the pot can fall and burn you -- or your child.

5. Remember this cardinal rule: When the fat is on the fire, pay attention! Many kitchen fires start because someone forgets about a pan of fat or oil. Oil gets hotter and hotter and can burst into flames.

Appliances1. Don't use appliances near the sink. If one happens to fall in water, it can electrocute you.

Using Knives1. Never keep knives on the edge of the counter where children can reach them.

2. Never carry knives outward, as you could stab someone.

3. Never try to catch a falling knife. Instead, let it drop.

4. Always walk with knives at your side, pointed downward, or using both hands to remain aware that you're carrying a sharp object.